Group Director - Water

Company Overview

AECOM is looking for a Water Group Director to guide its Water business across New Zealand. This role brings together client relationships, project leadership, and people management, with the opportunity to influence meaningful outcomes for communities and the environment.

The work spans the full project journey, from early-stage planning studies through to construction and operations and maintenance. Delivery may involve conventional approaches as well as alternative models such as design-build, public-private partnerships, and financing arrangements. With both design and construction capability in-house, AECOM brings a practical view of what can be built and delivered successfully.

Role Summary

This senior leadership position sits within the Water Line of Business and involves leading a highly capable group of Water and Geotechnical professionals delivering important projects across Australia, New Zealand, and overseas.

Key Accountabilities

• Direct a varied portfolio of water and geotechnical assignments, keeping delivery on schedule, within budget, and aligned with client expectations.
• Lead, coach, and grow the team while promoting a culture of collaboration, learning, and high performance.
• Use your industry credibility and local connections to strengthen AECOM’s standing as a trusted advisor on water projects and to help solve complex client problems.
• Make sure the team’s structure, capability, and skills remain aligned to market needs and service expectations.
• Build and deepen relationships with existing and prospective clients to support revenue growth and secure repeat business through trust and quality delivery.
• Set the tone for the team by modelling collaborative, innovative, and accountable behaviours, and by encouraging a workplace where people feel safe to contribute fully.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership experience in water and geotechnical engineering, along with the ability to explain technical matters clearly and confidently to clients.

You should be experienced in developing teams, improving internal collaboration, and guiding business performance across a wide range of projects. A solid history of managing profit and loss responsibilities will be important, as will the ability to deliver measurable business results.

This position also calls for a leader who can build high-performing teams, drive change, grow capability, and maintain strong delivery standards. You will work closely with internal stakeholders, contribute to regional and ANZ Water leadership forums, and help shape the direction of the broader business.

A forward-looking mindset is essential, including comfort with change and enthusiasm for using digital tools and modern technology to improve outcomes.

Additional Information

AECOM offers flexible working arrangements, which may include alternative start and finish times, part-time arrangements, job-sharing, and hybrid working.

Employees may also be able to purchase up to 6 additional weeks of annual leave each year.

Public holidays can be swapped for other days that suit personal preferences better, including Easter or other holidays.

Learning and development support includes lunch-and-learns, professional development courses, financial study assistance, 5 days of paid study leave, and access to global career opportunities.

Benefits at AECOM

Depending on employment status, benefits may include medical, dental, and vision cover; life and AD&D insurance; disability support; paid time off; leave of absence options; voluntary benefits; flexible work options; well-being resources; an employee assistance program; business travel insurance; service recognition awards; a retirement savings plan; and an employee stock purchase plan.

About the Employer

AECOM is a global infrastructure leader focused on delivering better outcomes through technical expertise in water, environment, energy, transportation, and buildings. The company works with public- and private-sector clients across the full project lifecycle, from advisory and planning through design, engineering, program management, and construction management. It is a Fortune 500 company with revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024.

The organization emphasizes career growth, leading-edge projects, and a collaborative workplace built on respect and community. It is committed to equal opportunity and confidential handling of candidate information in line with EEO guidelines.

Job Details

Business Line: Water
Business Group: DCS
Strategic Business Unit: ANZ
Career Area: Business Management
Work Location Model: Hybrid

Reference ID: REF58367D